Chance to crew Fastnet with TV adventurer (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Chance to crew Fastnet with TV adventurer

7:20am Friday 22nd May 2009

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A LAKELAND-based adventurer and TV presenter is to fulfill a lifelong dream by competing in one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races - and he wants to give someone else with the same ambition the chance to join him.

BBC Oceans series presenter Paul Rose is joining the crew of the 72ft yacht Polar Bear in the 608 mile Fastnet Race, which each year attracts the world’s top sailors.

Mr Rose, who lives at Windermere, jumped at the chance to be the 17th member of the 18-man crew after being offered a place by the research charity Earthwatch, for which he is a roving ambassador.

And in return for his inclusion he has agreed to help promote an online auction to find the final crew member.

Cash raised from the sale of the 18th slot will be shared between the Earthwatch’s fund to promote a sustainable environment through worldwide scientific research and the Martin House Children’s Hospice near Leeds.

Mr Rose, a seasoned explorer who headed the British Antarctic Survey for ten years and is a former vice-president of the Royal Geographical Society, said: “Being offered as chance to crew in the Fastnet Race really is a dream come true for me. The amazing thing is Earthwatch offered me the opportunity without realising that I had always wanted to sale in the race. Without hesitation I told them I was in.”

However, the race will throw up major challenges, even for such a seasoned adventurer.

“I’ve sailed all my life and have a skipper’s ticket but I’ve never competed in an ocean race, so it will be a very challenging experience as well as an exciting one.

“The idea of the auction is to give someone else like me, who never thought it would be possible to take part in the Fastnet Race, a chance to do so while at the same time helping two worthwhile charities.”

The charity auction, which has a reserve of £1,500, began on May 15 and lasts until Sunday (May 24).

The highest bidder will join the crew for an ‘acclimatisation’ and qualifying sail from Newcastle to Cowes on the Isle of Wight at the beginning of August. The Rolex Fastnet Race gets underway from Cowes on August 9.

To bid for the 18th crew place visit www.fastnetchallenge.org.uk or call 0845 6525050 for further details.

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